Reframing Pakistan–Bahrain Ties -

By Junaid Qaiser
President Asif Ali Zardari’s recent state visit to Bahrain was filled with symbolism, but its real significance goes beyond just the formalities. In a world that’s changing rapidly, this visit showcased Pakistan’s thoughtful and intentional effort to transform its long-standing friendships with Gulf nations into structured, results-driven partnerships. Bahrain, a trusted ally with deep historical and cultural ties to Pakistan, emerged from this visit not just as a friendly nation, but as a key economic and security partner.
For years, the relationship between Pakistan and Bahrain has been built on mutual respect, Islamic brotherhood, and consistent political goodwill. These core values remain strong, as shown by the warm welcome President Zardari received in Manama and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s choice to bestow Bahrain’s highest civilian honor upon him. Such gestures not only reaffirm trust and continuity but also indicate something more significant: Bahrain’s acknowledgment of Pakistan as a dependable and relevant partner during these uncertain regional times. What set this visit apart was its clear economic focus. President Zardari’s message was straightforward—strong political ties need to evolve into robust trade, deeper investments, and real economic benefits.
By encouraging Bahraini investors to look into opportunities in agriculture, food security, information technology, healthcare, tourism, and infrastructure, Pakistan positioned itself as a market full of potential rather than just a partner looking for symbolic gestures. The emphasis on the Special Investment Facilitation Council further highlighted Islamabad’s commitment to creating a more predictable and investor-friendly environment.

This shift comes at a crucial time. Gulf states, like Bahrain, are actively working to diversify their economies and rethink their external partnerships. With its large workforce, strategic location, and growing digital and service sectors, Pakistan is a perfect match for this new perspective from the Gulf. If this economic dialogue, sparked during the visit, is pursued consistently, it could elevate bilateral relations beyond the usual labor and remittance dynamics, paving the way for joint ventures and long-term investment collaborations.
Security and defense cooperation, a long-standing pillar of Pakistan-Bahrain relations, was also a key focus. President Zardari’s reaffirmation of this partnership underscored the strong institutional ties between the armed forces of both nations. In a region grappling with ongoing security challenges, this collaboration boosts mutual trust and enhances Bahrain’s view of Pakistan as a reliable security partner, not just a political ally. Equally important were the shared views on regional and global issues.
President Zardari’s comments about an international landscape filled with uncertainty struck a chord in a Middle East dealing with conflict, economic shifts, and geopolitical rivalries. His call for unity, restraint, and collective determination reflected a broader awareness that instability in one part of the world increasingly impacts others. The agreement to align positions at international forums, especially on matters concerning the Muslim countries, added a layer of diplomatic significance to the visit.

The human aspect of the relationship was given significant attention. With over 116,000 Pakistanis living and working in Bahrain, this diaspora acts as a crucial link between the two nations. President Zardari’s acknowledgment of how Bahrain treats the Pakistani community highlighted their contributions not just to Bahrain’s growth but also to the personal connections that keep the relationship thriving beyond official interactions. Mentioning King Hamad University for Nursing and Allied Medical Sciences in Islamabad as a lasting symbol of friendship further emphasized the importance of education and social development in their cooperation.
King Hamad’s description of the visit as a milestone was spot on. It showed a mutual understanding that the Pakistan-Bahrain relationship is stepping into a new era—one where goodwill is paired with practical collaboration, and tradition is enhanced by strategy. His recognition of Pakistan’s support for Arab and Islamic causes, along with its role in fostering regional stability, firmly positioned Islamabad within Bahrain’s broader foreign policy framework.